DOMENICO POZZOVIVO produced an inspired final climb to win stage eight of the Giro d’Italia at Lago Laceno.

The 29-year-old Colnago rider made a break with 6.8 kilometres remaining and powered uphill to the finish, reaching the line 23 seconds clear of nearest rival Benat Intxausti of the Movistar team.

Spaniard Intxausti was in turn four seconds ahead of his compatriot Joaquin Rodriguez, riding for Katusha, who claimed third place.

Canadian Ryder Hesjedal retained the pink jersey but now holds just a nine-second advantage over Rodriguez.

Pozzovivo, who won the Giro del Trentino last month, delighted the home crowds with his devastating late attack at the end of today's 229-kilometre stage.

The 5ft 5in competitor said after his success: “I’m perhaps too little to think big, I’ll take things day by day and do as well as I can.

“This year’s Giro was wrongly described as being easy compared to the past. I’d say it’s more humane compared to 2011, which was really tough. I finished ninth at the (2008) Giro d’Italia and was strong in the third week, so I’m confident about the final week in the mountains at this year’s Giro d’Italia.

“I’m a pure climber and I think about music to motivate me when I’m racing. I also try to get to the top as quickly as possible to get the climb over with.”

Canadian 31-year-old Hesjedal insisted he can keep the pink jersey through to the end of the Giro, which concludes in Milan in two Sundays’ time.

He said: “It was a tough day. I had to buckle down, keep in contact and defend the jersey. I got over the top of the steep part of the climb and so I was okay.

“It was reported that I’m not here to win the pink jersey but I want to correct that. I came here to give my best. That’s my goal. I feel I’m doing that; I’m leading the Giro. I’m just focused on doing my best. We’ll see how the rest of the race develops.”